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Helen Keller once said, “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” As a relatively new electrician myself, I am aware that there are many more lessons on-the-job and in the Union that can and should be learned. Those who have gone before us, pave the way for our success through their experiences, sweat, and tenacity.
Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Herb Churruca’s family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was just 4 years old. As a young adult, Herb met his New York born wife, Donna, at a church group activity. Knowing that he would need a job that could support himself and his new little family, Herb began applying for jobs. However, at the time the Vietnam War had just begun and anyone not already a military veteran was not looked favorably on for jobs. After being turned away several times for having not already served his country, Herb enlisted.
After honorably serving his country, Herb was discharged at the age of 29. However, due to the negativity surrounding the Vietnam War, it was not an easy feat to find a job that could support his now growing family. After hearing about the IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship, the steady paychecks, and benefits, Herb knew it was a great opportunity. For context - at the time, in order to join the electrical apprenticeship, people had to be older than 24 years old and younger than 30.
Right from the beginning, Herb was an active participant in his Union and in the field. During his time, Herb worked with several unions including in Arizona, California, and finally Idaho. After 32 years, Herb and his wife retired to their farm house in Caldwell.
In the span of his 32-year electrical Union career, Herb has served in many positions including on the Examining Board, Executive Board, Union Recording Secretary at the Union level, at the job sites everything from apprentice to General Foreman, and even taught CPR classes at the JATC. Now that he is retired, Herb and Donna love the additional spare time and financial security they have because of Herb’s time in the Union.
I asked both Herb and Donna what they would want new electricians and their loved ones to know. Below are their responses - they have been edited for length and clarity, but the text is true to their verbal responses.
Herb: “Be willing to teach and willing to learn, if there is a day you don’t learn something you are losing. If you are not going to do it like you do it for yourself, don’t do it at all. This is your livelihood, this is your career.”
Donna: “Be patient, go with the flow, work together. Togetherness is important, be sensitive to your brother and sister’s needs.”
Joining the Union and building your career is not something defined by the day-to-day work you do. It is defined by looking back and seeing the legacy you left behind. My time with Herb taught me that as a 291 electrician I can look forward to a comfortable retirement because of my pensions and annuity, but if I want a legacy, I need to participate and build one now with my community and peers.
“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” - Jack London
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